Why can’t a film like Mani Ratnam’s Bombay be released in theaters today? Cinematographer Rajiv Menon BREAKS SILENCE

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Mani Ratnam’s iconic 1995 film Bombay was extremely successful upon its release, but when asked about it now, its cinematographer Rajiv Menon offered a contrasting perspective. He stated that a movie like Bombay wouldn’t be feasible in today’s environment due to its potentially controversial nature and the possibility of inciting unrest.

During an interview on the O2 India YouTube channel, Rajiv Menon remarked that a film like Mani Ratnam’s Bombay couldn’t be made nowadays. He explained that today’s environment in India is quite touchy, with people having strong views and religion playing a significant role in public discussions.

As per his viewpoint, freeing Bombay prematurely may spark violent outbursts. He went so far as to suggest that cinemas could potentially be torched. Rajiv Menon posits that over the past quarter-century or so, the nation has become increasingly intolerant.

He stated, “It’s unlikely that a movie similar to ‘Bombay’ could be produced today. The climate in India is extremely sensitive, people hold such firm views, and religion plays such a significant role. I doubt if you could create such a film, screen it in a theater, and not anticipate the theater being targeted. Over the past 25-30 years, India seems to have grown less tolerant.

When questioned about Manisha Koirala’s character removing her burqa during the “Tu Hi Re” song, Rajiv Menon made it clear that this wasn’t meant to symbolize a rejection of her faith. He elaborated that apart from the fort wall, there were no props on set. The location was actually recommended by a friend of his late father who held the rank of Navy commodore.

After his father’s demise, Rajiv Menon opted to include an anchor as a prop in his subsequent work. During shooting, his costume got tangled in it, sparking the thought of switching outfits. He desired to prevent the character from being confined to a single appearance. Ultimately, he chose a blue dress to introduce diversity into her wardrobe.

As a connoisseur of cinema, I’d like to highlight my admiration for the masterpiece that is “Bombay,” directed by the brilliant Mani Ratnam. This Tamil film falls under the genre of musical romantic dramas and features two captivating leads: Arvind Swamy and Manisha Koirala. The movie delves into an intricate tale of love amidst the tumultuous backdrop of a multi-religious family during the devastating 1992-93 Bombay riots, offering a profound exploration of communal harmony and its fragility in challenging times.

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2025-04-20 08:22